Be very careful pinching the nose and blowing.
This pressurises the eardrum outwards, which is fine to equalise an increasing pressure during descent.
But if tried during the climb, when the discomfort is due to the reducing pressure, this seriously risks perforating the eardrum, which is already curving outwards under pressure. This, I can assure you, would teach you exactly what SERIOUS pain is, and you'd wonder why you considered the 'pressure discomfort' painful!
Generally, ears will 'self pop' on the way up, and should only need 'help' during descent. If any ear needs help during the climb, think very seriousy before 'helping' it, as it is a seriously bad omen for the way down! In these circumstances, I would seriously consider leaving well alone for the duration of the flight, accepting the discomfort, knowing that the descent will cure the pressure imbalance, and hence the discomfort.
PM
Last edited by pilotmike; 20th Aug 2007 at 16:24.